Toulouse: A River Shuttle for the Rugby World Cup

The Toulouse city hall hopes that river shuttles will transport supporters during the Rugby World Cup.

The Rugby World Cup is one of the major sporting events of the year. Organized in France, it is expected to generate great popular enthusiasm, especially in the cities where matches will take place. This is particularly the case in Toulouse, where 5 matches will be played. Given the history linking the Pink City to this sport, attendance at the stadium is expected to be substantial.

To facilitate the transportation of the many supporters expected, the city hall aims to establish a river shuttle connection that would link downtown Toulouse to Île du Ramier. The boats would drop supporters off about 600 meters from the stadium. They could also transport passengers to nearby event locations (fan zone near the Capitole, Ernest Wallon Stadium where Japan’s team will train, etc.). Toulouse city hall specifies that stops between the two ends of the line can be made “at existing moorings on the Garonne, on the Brienne canal, the Canal du Midi, and the Canal Lateral.”

River shuttles are on the rise

The river shuttle project in Toulouse is specifically designed for the World Cup, which will take place from September 8 to October 28. However, the municipality states that “the operating period could be extended as needed by the candidate(s).” Companies interested have until March 24 to submit their proposals.

Passenger transport by waterway seems to be appealing to an increasing number of cities. In Lyon, shuttles are set to be launched from 2025. Unlike Toulouse’s, they will integrate into the city’s public transportation network and are intended to be long-term.

Read also: ZFE Toulouse: which cars are banned in the Pink City?